When most people think of Nashville, Tennessee, country music, cowboy boots, and hot chicken come to mind. And there’s no denying you’ll find them everywhere in the city… the music capital of the world does love its roots! But travelers visiting Nashville may be surprised to see just how much the city has evolved in the past few years.
Thanks to its rapid population growth and a new wave of super photogenic boutique hotels, restaurants, street art, and more, bursting onto the scene, Nashville is becoming quite the destination hot spot. Photographers will enjoy endless photo opportunities between its southern history, skyline vistas, and charming cultural sights. Here are just a handful of Instagrammable spots in Music City, U.S.A.
Printer’s Alley
In its previous life, Printer’s Alley served as a series of hitching posts for men’s houses as they walked to Nashville’s courthouse. Flash forward a few years and the street became the center of Nashville’s booming printing industry, and housed some of the hidden speakeasies during Prohibition, as well as music venues to some of the most famous country performers.
Today, this small alley is stacked with some of Nashville’s best bars and restaurants. Its charming details tell of Nashville’s history, and its storefronts and welcoming vibe are the perfect spot to capture the southern charm that Nashville maintains.
Union Station Hotel
This former train station has transformed into one of the most gorgeous hotels in all of Music City! This stunner of a hotel is the perfect place to grab a drink (or stay for a night or two!), but photographers will love to capture its barrel-vaulted stained glass ceiling and vintage homage to its past in every nook and cranny. It also happens to be perfectly situated a few blocks away from Broadway, Nashville’s honky tonk version of Times Square!
Parthenon
A full-scale replica of ancient Athens’ original Parthenon building in the heart of Nashville? Yes, that’s right! This unexpected centerpiece of Nashville’s Centennial Park is a photographer’s delight. Not only is it a cultural oasis and the perfect place to take a breather, but it also feels like you’re experiencing a slice of Europe in the American south.
Do not miss the exact recreated statue of the Greek goddess Athena, located inside. It’s a stunner and incredibly photogenic! (P.S. the Parthenon is also the city’s art museum! Enjoy an afternoon collecting artistic inspiration from its many paintings and gallery spaces!)
Ryman Auditorium
The Ryman Auditorium is considered to be one of the most famous concert halls in all of country music’s history. And while music lovers will be drawn to the space’s live performances and entertainment, photographers will drool at its beautiful architecture. The stained glass windows and satisfying symmetry of this historic place makes for gorgeous facade shots and the perfect backdrop.
The Bobby Hotel Rooftop
The Bobby Hotel’s rooftop is a stunning lookout just waiting to be photographed! It’s beautiful to capture and visit any time of the year, but the rooftop totally transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday — fully equipped with private igloos that make for the perfect Instagram shot. It’s the perfect photo spot to bundle up and savor the beauty of Nashville’s skyline in between each frame you capture.
Nashville’s commitment to growth and innovation — all while maintaining its musical, artsy roots — has truly catapulted the city as a traveler’s favorite. Treat yourself to a taste of southern comfort and the dizzying modern innovation Nashville has to offer. In between the live music, warm locals, and southern charm, you’ll be snapping hundreds of photos in between. Happy exploring this charmer of a city!
Feature photo by Nastasia Yakoub
